In the diary Espy discusses topics such as family life, church activities, weather, household chores, and her experience during the Civil War. Transcriptions are available: http://home.mchsi.com/~mlyle/diaryintro.html [not on the ADAH website].

In the letter McGillivray describes the efforts of the Creek Indian soldiers against the Spanish forces and the difficult living conditions his troops endure: "Owing to their being fed entirely upon salt provisions, the bad water about Pensacola,...

Caller was living in Washington County of the Mississippi Territory (later the Alabama Territory) when the Murphees hired him "to take two Negros Namely Remus & Frank which Thomas Bates and others stold away from us." [Original spelling retained.]

James was a Scotsman living in the Choctaw nation in Noxubee County, Mississippi. In the letter he complains that Creek warriors have recently stolen horses from settlers: "I want you to put a stop to it as we want to keep in friendship." He...

In the letter the men explain the causes of the commission's "apparent slothfulness": their "progress has been greatly retarded by frequent recurrences of local attraction" and the trees and uneven landscape have made it "almost impossible to be...

During the Mexican-American War, Moore organized and led the Eutaw Rangers, a group of volunteers from Greene County, Alabama. In the letter he discusses the upcoming transportation of troops to Burita or Matamoras, Mexico, and he describes the...

This passage includes a letter written by Gosse, on September 1, 1838. He discusses slavery in Alabama ("a huge deadly serpent"), describing cruel punishments, poor living conditions, and impediments to emancipation. In his view, the institution...

In the letter Clements gives personal and community news to his brother, who is no longer living at home. He mentions his recent illness; young women he and his friends are interested in; his plans for school ("I am not going to school no where yet...

In the letter Clements gives news of family and friends to his brother, who is no longer living at home. He also mentions John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry: "I suppose you have learned of the affair at Harpers Ferry and also that Capt. John Brown...

In exchange for managing the plantation and slaves, Collins will receive a horse to ride about the property; housing, provisions, and a servant for his family; and $500 per year. The contract ends with the stipulation that "if he drinks any spirits...

In the letter John asks permission to accompany one of his professors on a trip to the West Indies to collect samples of animal life for the college: "I thought I would write to you and let you know all about it, as I would like to go...& think it...

During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the letter Semple describes conditions in his new camp, where...

This article offers a defense of Southern secession and blames the Lincoln and the North for starting the war: "We have asked but our rights. We simply desired to be left alone, to conduct our own government free from abolition meddlesomeness....

In the letter Burgess discusses the financial situation of Lucy Audubon, the widow of naturalist John Audubon; Lucy's two sons have also died recently: "Three widows and their families suddenly left without a single male relation seventeen years of...

During the Civil War, Thomas Hall served in Company K of the 24th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he discusses recent changes in command; and possible appointments for men in his regiment and for his brothers elsewhere in the army;...

During the war, Warrick served in the Coosa Home Guards, and he was a private in Company C of the 34th Alabama Infantry. In the letter to his wife, he explains that he is still in the hospital but is "a mending"; his regiment left the area two...

From June 1862 to November 1863, John Hall served in Co. E, 2nd Battalion, Hilliard's Legion. In the letter he discusses activities and conditions in camp ("we are stuck in the woods where we have not seen a house in three weeks and no man is...

Lucy was the widow of naturalist John Audubon, who was a close friend Mary's husband, Edward. In the letter she mentions that she is recovering from "a most severe illness, produced by sorrows mental and physical." She explains that she will no...

During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the letter he describes the Battle of Murfreesboro, giving...